They broke into the service and tried to interrupt it and started filming without asking permission. However, the congregation insisted on finishing the service. Four members of the congregation were taken out by police and taken to the police station.
Ten of those present face possible fines of one to two months average salary for meeting for worship without state permission. One of the Christians, Kenzhetai Baytinov, may have been removed from his job as a school janitor after pressure from the state because of his faith. However, both the school management and the authorities deny knowledge of this.
Kazakhstan just 3 years ago: Sanctuary for the Church in Central Asia
This latest attack is an example of a dramatic escalation in the persecution of Christians in Kazakhstan.
In the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan oriented itself towards the West. This applied both to the implementation of market economy reforms, but also to ensuring civil liberties, including freedom of religion. Thus, Kazakhstan has largely been a sanctuary for the church in Central Asia, unlike neighboring countries such as Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, where the persecution of Christians has been very severe for many years.
Danish European Mission was on the spot
For several years, the Danish European Mission has continuously monitored developments in Kazakhstan. Already in the August-September 2011 issue of the Danish European Mission magazine, fundraising for a project to strengthen the church in Kazakhstan began.
The project supports Christian rehabilitation work among drug addicts, alcoholics and homeless people in a part of the country that is characterized by great social need. Not only can these disadvantaged people get a new life through the project, but the authorities can also see how people's lives are transformed. In doing so, the authorities may realize that accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ and aligning society with the words of the Bible can only make a positive difference in their country.
